Agaricus bohusii
Agaricus bohusii Bon
Agaricaceae
Conservation status. Critically Endangered [CR A3d; B2ab(i,ii,iv)].
Morphology and biology. Cap at first semi-globose, then convex to umbonate, 5–15 cm in diameter, with a central brown disc, cracked in radial, triangular, brownish scales. Gills free, pink to dark brown. Stipe fusiform, 15(20) × 1–2(3) cm, white to brown, red-brown when injured; with a membranous ring above. Flesh white, becoming light reddish brown. Spores ovoid, 6–8 × 5–6 μm, brown. Fruit-bodies in large groups (clusters). VII–X.
Habitats and populations. On the ground, in coniferous forests, mixed with maples (Acer),ashes (Fraxinus), andpoplars (Populus). Two populations have been established till now: Balkan Range (two groups of 26 and 30 fruit-bodies, found near Glozhene village) and Thracian Lowland (two groups of 8 and 15 fruit-bodies, found in Plovdiv).
Distribution in Bulgaria. Balkan Range (Central – near Glozhene village), Thracian Lowland (Lauta Park, Plovdiv).
General distribution. Europe (Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Hungary, Italy).
Threats. Habitat loss/degradation caused by selective logging, development of tourism/recreation infrastructure, fires, gathering for food.
Conservation measures taken. Included in the Red List of Fungi in Bulgaria. The species is within the borders of Central Balkan National Park and in sites of the European ecological network Natura 2000 in Bulgaria.
Conservation measures needed. Study on the population numbers and range and species biology and ecology; conservation of the habitats; regular monitoring.
References. Stoichev, Anastasov 1988; Gyosheva et al. 2000, 2006.
Author: Melania Gyosheva
